Hi guys i'm new to DIY mechanics ill be posting lots of questions i sincerely hope it doesn't bore the pants of you!(English saying) OK i have a few things to do on this bike so where are the best places to buy used and or new parts(i live in Illinois). Since the bike was made what problems have been found and ironed out? If this bike is air cooled how do you stop the bike from over heating in heavy traffic? As i don't know any service history on this bike, what things should i be doing first etc (service wise).Just so you know its mostly cosmetic stuff that need attention and the bike seems to be running well(I wanna keep it that way!)Any and all advice is welcome!

BEFORE you turn any wrenches on your machine, please take the time to read thru the tech tips here!! There are certain procedures ie. the cam chain tensioner adjustment that if done wrong, can lead to very bad damage to your engine, bent valves, etc.!!

Find a reply or search the MEMBERS LIST for Catatonic Bug, he has links in his username/profile where you can download repair manuals for your machine.

One of the more common problems is with the transmission, developing a skipping or hopping out of gear in 2nd, or 1st under throttle, due to wear on the gear dogs/slots. A repair is described in the tech tips.

Another weak spot is the fuseblock, glass fuses, the clips, and it's recommended to replace it, again info on where to get one is in the tech tips. Eliminating other electrical gremlins is accomplished by disconnecting every electrical connection, inspecting, cleaning, and applying dielectric grease when putting back together to keep corrosion from recurring. Several main ground points, the battery to frame, also the starter motor to frame. Also under the gastank, the several wires screwed to the Reg/RECT, and it's casing to frame contact area. Also the large white connectors BEHIND the FUSEBLOCK, trace them from the ALT housing on the right side, can corrode, and actually MELT! The main ignition switch, as well as the handlebar switches also corrode! Also the spark plug caps and attachments to the wires.

There is a thread in the MISC forum on what to look for in a neglected XS.

You're fortunate that it's already in running condition. Many here have had to learn how to clean carbs the hard way! The fuel lines, the OCTOPUS if you still have one, the petcocks, are all possible problem areas. ADDING INLINE FUEL FILTERS is also highly recommended! Being able to ensure that the carbs float valves are sealing off the fuel flow is important in preventing unknown carb flooding while parked which can cause fuel into the intake, down the cylinders, into the oil and can then severely damage crank and other bearings!!

The driveshaft splines do NOT get properly greased by the ZERK fitting on the swingarm/final drive junction, needs to be taken apart and cleaned, greased by hand. Also changing all fluids, engine oil, middle and final drive oils, fronk fork tube oil, brake fluid is highly recommended. Middle gears running low or out of fluid can cause a LOCKUP, not fun at cruising speed!

Ask enough questions, and pretty soon you'll feel like you actually know what your doing when it comes to fixing your bike! (At least, that's how it worked for me!)

Seriously, though, there would be no way I would be able to have any kind of motorcycle without these guys. I'm about as far from mechanically inclined as you can get, yet I've pulled the carbs three (or four) times, tore them completely apart, put them back together, and the bike still runs! (Most of the time...) If you have a question, somebody here knows the answer.

Welcome the to forum! Another midwesterner?! Are you anywhere near St. Louis? As it has been stated, you can get the manual from the link in my signature. Be sure to read, read, and read some more. You won't believe how much information is available on this site! If you ever run into problems, don't hesitate to ask questions (preferably BEFORE breaking something ), and you'll be glad you did.

Congrats! This is the best website going. Lots of help, no jerks and nothing but real neighborly help.
I'm only a few months ahead of you. Picked up an 80Special in November in needs of lots of help and am riding it daily now for about a month.
I'd still be scratching my head trying to figure some things out without these guys.
Have fun with it!

Welcome the to forum! Another midwesterner?! Are you anywhere near St. Louis? As it has been stated, you can get the manual from the link in my signature. Be sure to read, read, and read some more. You won't believe how much information is available on this site! If you ever run into problems, don't hesitate to ask questions (preferably BEFORE breaking something ), and you'll be glad you did.